The Broncos blew their chance to remain outright leaders, losing to the Cowboys in the Queensland derby. Brisbane's loss meant a logjam of teams tied at first re-emerged on the competition table being joined by the Cowboys, Melbourne and the Dragons – the latter two coming up with victories over Souths and Canberra respectively. Meanwhile the Warriors and Sharks came out on top in golden point thrillers against the Eels and Titans while the Knights won their first game since Round 4 after taking care of the Wests Tigers. Newcastle's win marked Tariq Sims's first at the club after he spent the first four weeks on the sideline suspended.